D-N-R offers trees

Trees are a tree-mendous resource for Iowa home and property owners and the chief of the state D-N-R’s forestry division says now’s the time to plant. John Walkowiak says Iowa’s two largest utilities are offering spring programs that feature discounts on trees.

Alliant Energy is offering landscape-sized trees at a reduced cost through its program called “Operation Releaf.” It targets residents in Clarke, Hardin, Linn, Story, Jasper, Dubuque, Fayette and Winnebago counties. MidAmerican Energy is offering a similar program called “Plant Some Shade” to customers in Black Hawk, Polk, Webster and Woodbury counties.

Walkowiak says landowners statewide can take advantage of another program through the state for packets of between 20 and 200 plants, both trees and shrubs. The State Forest Nursery in Ames is offering packages for people interested in planting acreages in their back yards or on larger plots of land. For information, call 800-865-2477 or go to “www.iowatreeplanting.com”.

Walkowiak says planting trees is a real plus for current residents and for resale. He says studies from realtors find landscaped lots always sell faster and for more money that those that are bare. Trees can help shade your home during the heat of summer, thus, saving money and energy, and they can attract wildlife. Governor Vilsack has declared April as Arbor Month in Iowa.